Our Members

Our members embody the meaning of courage, which according to the Merriam Webster dictionary is “The mental or moral strength to venture, persevere and withstand danger, fear or difficulty.”

Each member story is unique, but all reflect the intrinsic courage of those who face the challenges of cancer head on, with dignity, strength and passion for life.

Take a moment to listen to their voices.

Be amazed by what real courage looks like.

Dr. Monica AndersonDiagnosed in 2012 with Adult GIST.

Marc Wasserman
Diagnosed in 2006 with Adult GIST.

Bella Rocco
Diagnosed in 2009 with Pediatric
(SDH-Deficient) GIST.

Member Stories are below.If you would like to contribute your story, or, that of a loved one, please email us today. Feel free to include any images you would like us to use!Also visit our In Memoriam section and our In Memoriam website to light a candle for love ones that have passed.

The Life Raft Group is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization (tax id: 82-0547746) providing support through information, education, and innovative research to patients with a rare cancer called GIST (Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor). View our 990 Form here

The information provided on the LRG site is designed to support,
not to replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her physician.
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International Patients

GIST knows no boundaries.
The Life Raft Group focuses on several key pillars. One of those pillars is “to increase access to effective treatments worldwide.” We aid patients from the United Kingdom to India and Kenya, helping wherever GIST patients are in need. Our patient registry staff interacts with global patients daily. The LRG Patient Registry has members from 63 countries, with country liaisons from 61 countries.
We present at international symposiums on GIST, support global advocacy issues, and work to establish alliances and collaborations. We want to ensure that GIST patients across the world have access to the best possible treatment.